All high courts’ IT delegation visits LHC

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Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 7:32 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP): Federal Minister for Law and Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday warned that any bid to attack, discredit, or weaken Parliament would undermine Pakistan’s democratic foundations and harm its 250 million citizens.

Responding to a point of order in the National Assembly, Azam Nazeer Tarar appreciated Gohar Ali Khan’s remarks but stressed that political responsibility demands honesty, introspection and consistency. He cautioned against confrontation, reminding PTI that leaving Parliament after the 2022 no-confidence vote was a mistake for which it had paid the political cost.

Tarar stressed that political decisions must be made within Parliament, saying democracy rests on dialogue and reasoning, not force. “Politics and fascism are two different things—politics relies on argument, fascism on coercion and threats,” he remarked. He reminded the opposition that PTI, while holding the Speaker’s chair in the previous assembly, had dissolved an elected House within minutes to block a constitutional process.

Reiterating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s message, Azam Nazeer Tarar said Pakistan’s survival and stability must take precedence over political rivalries. He warned that while all parties can pursue politics if the country stands strong, attacking institutions or inviting chaos benefits no one.

Azam Nazeer Tarar recalled that despite grave injustices in the past—including the execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the assassination of Benazir Bhutto—political parties upheld democratic limits and never marched on Islamabad with state weapons or machinery.

He noted that even when Nawaz Sharif was twice removed from power, such lines were not crossed. Tarar cautioned that framing political disputes as battles of force undermines the national interest, warning that bringing workers armed with government-issued weapons to attack the capital is unconstitutional and not politics.

Azam Nazeer Tarar urged all parties to reflect on their mistakes, stressing that accountability applies across the political spectrum. “Mistakes were made by you, and perhaps by us too. Introspection is essential,” he said. Citing poet Kausar Niazi, he added that even the word “Iqtidar” reminds us power is temporary and humility vital for democracy.

Responding to debate on election disputes, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar noted that PTI had filed over 90 petitions before tribunals, with more than 70 percent already decided—mostly in its favour in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab. He stressed that a constitutional mechanism exists and warned that bypassing it undermines credibility.

Recalling the 2013 protests, he said the Nasir-ul-Mulk-led judicial commission found no evidence of rigging, adding that dialogue was the better path then and remains so now.

He concluded by reiterating that Parliament remains the legitimate platform for resolving national issues.

Member of the National Assembly Noor Alam Khan said that any attack—verbal or otherwise—on Parliament amounted to an attack on 240 million citizens and the country’s democratic system. While expressing personal respect for Mahmood Khan Achakzai, he stressed that anyone advocating an assault on Parliament was effectively targeting Pakistan, its people, and its democratic order, and could not be considered a friend of the nation.

He accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf members of double standards, noting they adopt one position in private meetings and another on the floor of the House. He pointed out that Gohar Ali Khan opposed the 26th Constitutional Amendment during the sitting, despite PTI leaders earlier agreeing to it in discussions with political figures, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

“In our political history, we have never declared anyone a traitor or issued certificates of patriotism. We believe others may be better Muslims and better Pakistanis than us. But if someone insults this Parliament, they should know that our relationship is with this State and with the Kalima,” he remarked.

Aircraft shortage, lower passenger load main reasons for discontinuation of flights to Chitral: Senate told

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Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 7:31 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP):Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday informed the Senate that a shortage of aircraft and low passenger load was the main reasons behind the discontinuation of flight operations to Chitral.

Winding up debate on a motion moved by Senator Talha Mehmood—seeking discussion on the need to resume flights to and from Chitral airport, the minister said PIA had been operating ATR aircraft to Chitral until 2022 with a passenger load of 64 per cent.

Later, the passenger load dropped further to 41 per cent, while PIA currently has only two ATR aircraft, he added.

The minister said that an earlier attempt to privatize PIA could not be completed; however, the privatization process is now underway again.

Regarding flights to Quetta, he said he would convey the concerns of the members to the PIA Chief Executive Officer.

Meanwhile, responding to a point raised by Senator Sherry Rehman regarding the restoration of the Standing Committee on Aviation Division, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar assured the House that he would apprise the Prime Minister of the matter.

Wheat cultivation target being achieved successfully: Minister Kirmani

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Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 7:30 PM

FAISALABAD, Dec 01 (APP):Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has said that the target of wheat cultivation in the province for the current season was set at 16.5 million acres, which is being achieved successfully.

All possible resources and means are being utilized to achieve the wheat cultivation target in the province, as per the instructions of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, he said and added that maximum wheat production is vital for the country’s food security.

The minister expressed these views while chairing a divisional wheat committee meeting at the Commissioner’s Office here on Monday. Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Osama Khan Leghari, MPA Sardar Khan Bahadur Dogar, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar, Deputy Commissioner Cap (R) Nadeem Nasir and others participated in the meeting. The Deputy Commissioners of other districts joined the meeting online. Director General Agricultural Information Naveed Ismat Kahlo, Chief Scientist Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Faisalabad Dr. Javed Ahmed, Director Agriculture Extension Faisalabad Division Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood and representatives of fertilizer and seed companies and farmer organizations also participated.

The minister said that all stakeholders are playing a key role to achieve the wheat cultivation target in the province and the results in this regard are encouraging. He said that wheat is being cultivated on a large area in Faisalabad division by using super seeders. As many as 5,000 super seeders have so far been provided to farmers in the province on subsidy, while 5,000 more will be provided.

The minister said that for the first time in the Rabi season, fertilizers are available in abundance at prices below the fixed rates and a zero tolerance policy is being followed against fake pesticides and fertilizers. He said that 100 percent wheat cultivation has been ensured on government lands.

Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that on the instructions of the CM Punjab, wheat production competitions are being organized in which successful farmers will be given cash prizes worth millions of rupees including tractors. He said that at the provincial level, the first prize is 85 horsepower tractor, second is 75 horsepower and third is 60 horsepower tractor, while at the district level, the first prize is Rs 1 million, second is Rs 0.8 million and third is Rs 0.5 million.

He said that interest-free loans worth 90 billion rupees have been issued to more than 700,000 farmers under the Kisan Card so far.

On the occasion, Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar said that the target of wheat cultivation in Faisalabad Division was set over 1.8 lakh million acres, which has been completely achieved successfully.

Annual daisy exhibition to start from Dec 4

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Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 7:28 PM

LAHORE, Dec 01 (APP): The annual daisy exhibition by the Parks and Horticulture Authority Lahore will start from December 4 and continue for two weeks. The PHA has started preparations in this regard.

Managing Director PHA Lahore Raja Mansoor Ahmed visited Jilani Park to review the preparations for the exhibition and addressed a meeting of Horticulture Directors. Senior officers Zeeshan Nasrullah Ranjha, Ahmed Saeed Manj and directors were also present.

Raja Mansoor Ahmed said that the daisy exhibition will be held at the Oval ground of Jilani Park. Preparation of a beautiful structure is underway under the supervision of horticulture experts.

Similarly, beautiful daisy flowers are being transferred to the exhibition ground from various nurseries of PHA.

The MD said that the daisy exhibition is an annual event of the Parks and Horticulture Authority. Efforts are being made to make this exhibition more unique than in the past and to maximize the interest of people, especially families, coming from all over Punjab, including Lahore and the country.

Finance Minister defends publication process as Senate debates IMF governance report

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Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 7:25 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP): Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday firmly rejected the perception that the government had delayed or attempted to withhold the publication of the IMF’s Technical Assistance Report on Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment in Pakistan, telling the Senate that the document underwent a rigorous review process involving extensive consultations.

The finance minister told the Upper House of the Parliament while winding up the debate on the motion moved by Senator Kamran Murtaza, who pointed to the Fund’s findings that corruption poses serious threats to economic development.

“I come from the private sector,” he told the House.“When a report is issued, it is circulated among departments, feedback is taken, some points are incorporated, others are rejected.

This process takes time — even two to two-and-a-half months. The same happened here. Around 100 meetings were held, 30 entities were involved, comments were received, discussed again, and only then was the report published.”

Calling claims of deliberate delay “illogical”, Aurangzeb said the government had facilitated the entire process and had “no reason not to publish” the report.

The minister said the government was already working to digitise various processes to curb leakages and reduce human discretion — measures he stressed were essential for lowering corruption. “As you take out human intervention, corruption declines,” he added, assuring lawmakers that further details would be shared with the House.

He also endorsed the points raised regarding governance improvements, professional capacity in technical ministries, and remuneration reforms. These matters, he said, were being reviewed by the civil service reforms committee headed by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, of which he is also a member.

Aurangzeb supported the proposal for a detailed briefing on tax reforms and said that whenever the House desired, the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) could present a comprehensive update on “people, processes, technology and transformation.”

He noted that the same presentation had already been shared with embassies, the Pakistan Business Council, overseas Pakistanis and international development partners.

He further told the Senate that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was personally leading efforts toward a “cashless and digital Pakistan,” with clear milestones set for December 2025, June 2026 and December 2026. The government, he added, would present progress on these timelines whenever requested.

Senators Jam Safiullah Khan and Mohammad Abdul Qadir also participated in the discussion, highlighting governance deficiencies, weaknesses in tax administration and the urgent need for institutional reforms.

Lawmakers across the aisle underlined that addressing corruption and strengthening governance remain essential for restoring public confidence and stabilising Pakistan’s economic trajectory.

Governor condemns terrorist attack on police mobile in Lakki Marwat

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Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 7:22 PM

PESHAWAR, Dec 01 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a police mobile in Lakki Marwat, describing it as a cowardly act aimed at undermining peace efforts in the province.

The Governor paid rich tribute to the police personnel martyred in the attack, praying for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and patience for the bereaved family. He also extended heartfelt wishes for the swift recovery of the injured police officials.

Governor Kundi praised the courage and determination of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, saying that the force is bravely confronting terrorists despite continuous threats. He added that such cowardly attacks cannot weaken the resolve of the police in the fight against terrorism.

He reaffirmed that the sacrifices of the martyred police personnel will not go in vain and that their commitment to restoring peace in the region will always be honoured.

No compromise on citizens’ employment and fundamental Rights, warns SC

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Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 7:17 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP): The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that there can be no compromise on the protection of citizens’ employment, reputation, and fundamental rights. The remarks were issued in a detailed written judgment concerning civil petitions filed against the dismissal of Secondary School Teachers (SSTs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The judgment, authored by Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb, expressed serious concern over the KP Service Tribunal’s reliance on judicial precedents that were found to be nonexistent. The Court noted that the Tribunal appeared to have relied on incorrect or AI-generated material, calling the development “regrettable.”

The case involves 41 teachers appointed in 2012 and 2013 under directives of the FATA Education Directorate. While some were initially hired on contract, they were later regularized under the 2009 Regularization Act. After several years of service, the Directorate of Elementary and Secondary Education annulled their appointments in 2019, terming them “fake” and ordering salary recovery.

The KP Service Tribunal twice set aside these dismissals and ordered inquiries. However, after a third inquiry, the Directorate reinstated the termination orders on 30 August 2024.

According to the 17 May 2024 inquiry report submitted before the Supreme Court, all teachers possessed valid academic credentials and had served for years while drawing regular salaries. The report also confirmed that the Directorate failed to produce essential appointment documents. It concluded that the teachers committed no fraud and that any irregularity stemmed from the appointing authorities, making the dismissals a violation of fundamental rights.

The Supreme Court observed that failure of the KP Public Service Commission to respond could not justify termination, nor could employment be ended merely due to absence of online records. The Court expressed alarm that the Tribunal cited judgments—such as SCMR 985-2022 and PLD 2021-362—that do not exist.

The Court held that the matter requires careful scrutiny and reiterated that citizens’ livelihoods and constitutional rights must be fully protected.

SALU launches comprehensive Faculty Development Training Program with SHEC support

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Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 7:14 PM

SUKKUR, Dec 01 (APP): Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) on Monday has launched a comprehensive Faculty Development Training Program with the support of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC).

The program was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Dr Yousuf Khushk, who called faculty development the “backbone of academic excellence.” The five-day intensive training (Dec 1-5, 2025) targets early career lecturers and assistant professors, covering pedagogical advancement (effective teaching, OBE, assessment), research methodology, supervision and proposal writing for grants, quality assurance, HEC policies, inclusive education, professional ethics, presentation skills, and AI tools and gamification in academia.

Resource person Dr. Altaf Samo from IBA Sukkur praised SALU’s master trainers, while Pro VC Prof Dr Wahid Bux Jatoi and Prof Dr Altaf Hussain Samo detailed the curriculum.

Coordinator Assistant Prof Muhammad Ibrahim Khokhar noted the program is part of SHEC’s series for Sindh universities. Prof Dr Akhtiar Ali Ghumro emphasized continuous learning, said that the knowledge is changing.

Faculty from SALU’s main, Ghotki and Shahdadkot campuses attended. The event ends on December 5th with a certificate ceremony.

Over 2 kg drugs seized, 3 arrested in separate operations

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Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 7:12 PM